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The number of kidnapped crew in West Africa has more than quintupled last year’s total number already, according to Dryad Global’s latest Maritime Security Threat Advisory (MSTA), which was released on October 30.
Eleven crew have been kidnapped in West Africa so far this year, the MSTA showed. This number stood at two for the whole of 2022, according to the MSTA, which revealed that kidnapping events for 2022 and 2023, so far, both stood at under five.
Looking back to 2020, the MSTA highlighted that the number of kidnapped crew in the region was 136 for the year, while the number of kidnapping events was over 25. In 2019, the number of kidnapped crew stood at 135 and the number of kidnapping events was slightly higher than 2020, the MSTA outlined.
Dryad Global’s latest MSTA showed that the total number of incidents in West Africa in 2023, so far, stood at 21. This figure marks a 13 percent drop compared to year ago figures, according to the MSTA, which highlighted that incidents include acts such as robberies, approaches, boardings, and being fired upon.
Focusing on the Indian Ocean, Dryad’s MSTA highlighted that the region has seen a total of 12 incidents this year, so far. This figure has stayed flat compared to year ago numbers, the MSTA outlined.
In South East Asia, total incidents in 2023, so far, are at 57, according to the MSTA, which revealed that this figure is up 12 percent compared to year ago numbers.
Several countries have a “critical” risk and impact rating in Dryad’s latest MSTA. These countries include Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine.
In its previous MSTA, which was released on October 23, Dryad stated that “the recent violence between Israel and Hamas in the Israel-Palestine conflict has caused concerns within the shipping and maritime industry, prompting international companies to issue advisories and alter their operations in the region”.
“Despite the conflict, major industry players such as Maersk and MSC have reported that their port operations in Israel are functioning without disruption. The maritime industry remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the situation, pledging to follow government guidance,” it added.
“Global companies with a presence in Israel, such as Chevron and Adani Ports, have also had to adjust their operations due to the conflict. Despite the challenges, the shipping and maritime industry has demonstrated its resilience and ability to adapt, ensuring the continuity of trade and operations,” it continued.
In its latest MSTA, Dryad outlined that maritime risk and associated port operations in Israel “remains unchanged”.
May Data Comparison
In an MSTA released on May 29, Dryad revealed that the number of kidnapped crew in West Africa stood at nine and that kidnapping events for 2023 were not too far from where they currently stand.
That MSTA showed that the total number of incidents in West Africa in 2023, up to that point, stood at 13. That figure represented a 35 percent drop compared to year ago figures, the MSTA pointed out.
Looking at the Indian Ocean, Dryad’s May 29 MSTA highlighted that the region had seen a total of nine incidents up to that point. That figure marked a 25 percent drop compared to year ago figures, the MSTA revealed.
The May 29 MSTA outlined that total incidents in South East Asia stood at 44, which it outlined marked a 10 percent drop compared to year ago numbers.
Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine also had a “critical” risk and impact rating in Dryad’s May 29 MSTA.
Dryad Global releases its MSTA weekly. The report captures the global maritime security situation, Dryad’s site highlights.
To contact the author, email andreas.exarheas@rigzone.com
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